After opening to stellar audience response, with word-of-mouth raves inspiring growing audiences each performance, Steel Beam Theatre launches into the second weekend of its month long run of the comedy This Random World.
Located in the heart of the St. Charles shopping district, Steel Beam Theatre has emerged as the successor to Pheasant Run Theatre as the area’s top provider of professional theater. As the name suggests, the award-winning theater company serves as a pillar to the community – fostering a love for the arts and making high quality entertainment conveniently available to the western suburbs.
This Random World is a comedy that premiered at the Human Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville in 2016. Critics have praised the piece as containing “great humor, panache, and humanity” and delivering “sharp comedy, punctuated with moments of poignancy, with which all audiences can relate.”
Steel Beam’s artistic director Marge Uhlarik-Boller personally selected the lyrically beautiful comedy that has enough dramatic flourishes and poignant moments to touch the heart. Having read the play during the COVID lockdown, Uharik-Boller connected with the piece so deeply that she signed on to direct the play as well.
“This Random World is a delightful exploration of intersecting lives,” explains the director. “Does serendipity exist? Why not entertain the thought? Call it fate. Call it luck. This play addresses these ideas in such a creative way that audiences are just blown away. It’s very funny, very touching, and ultimately very real.”
This Random World features a cast of professional actors from throughout the region who jumped at the chance to perform this Stephen Dietz gem. The cast features Julie Bayer, Matt Hellyer, Susan Anderson, Ann Keen, Margaret Rogers and Crystal Skipworth.
Dietz is one of America’s most prolific and widely produced playwrights. His plays have been produced by the country’s most respected theaters including Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, Seattle Repertory Theatre, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival, as well as Off Broadway. His play Shooting Star is currently being adapted as a feature film starring Meg Ryan and David Duchovny under the title What Happens Later.
“This is an opportunity to see a beautiful play by one of America’s most prized playwrights produced with the love and care that Steel Beam Theatre audiences have come to appreciate,” adds managing director Catie Early. “It’s a great way for people who haven’t been to the theatre in St. Charles in a while to reconnect with professional theatre without the kind of costs involved with going to downtown Chicago.”
Uhlarik-Boller sums up the open invitation to come see This Random World, “Enjoy the play and smile at your loved ones for tomorrow is never promised. We invite you to experience a snapshot of life with us, we’ll touch your heart.”
This Random World runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through February 12th. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 PM; Sunday matinees are at 2 PM.
Steel Beam Theatre is located on the second floor at 111 W. Main Street in St. Charles. Regular ticket prices start at $28, with student and senior discounts online and in person. Industry discounts are also available for anyone in the entertainment industry, email catie@steelbeamtheatre.com for a special code. For tickets contact the box office at (630) 587-8521 or visit www.SteelBeamTheatre.com.
Peace. Love. Trust.
Rikki Lee Travolta
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